Clubs miss out as Hooker signs up with Bombers

Fremantle has failed to land another big fish, with Essendon star Cale Hooker signing a five-year deal to stay at the club.

The Dockers were among a host of suitors chasing the banned Bomber (pictured), with several Melbourne clubs as well as the Gold Coast Suns hoping to lure the unrestricted free agent away from Essendon.

But coach Ross Lyon said Hooker had called him to let him know he wouldn't be moving to Perth.

"To be truthful, he was respectful and rang last night and said he wanted to talk to me before he spoke to his mum," Lyon told reporters yesterday.

"We've got a really strong relationship. And does it surprise me? No, because he's very loyal to his football club."

The Dockers have tried hard to secure key position players, particularly forwards, in the free agency and trade market over the last few years.

The list of players they went after includes Collingwood's Travis Cloke, Geelong's Harry Taylor, Richmond fullback Alex Rance, Hawthorn's James Frawley and Cam McCarthy from GWS. They even reportedly made an informal approach to St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt.

Hooker, 27, is the third suspended Bomber to recommit to the club, following the recent re-signings of Heath Hocking and Travis Colyer.

The West Australian won Essendon's best and fairest award last year, when he spent the majority of the season in the forward line and kicked 21 goals.